“I’m a bit speechless right now. My biggest motivation as a lecturer is my students and the results we achieve together. My teaching is not perfect, but it is genuine and from the heart. Right now, in times like these, I think it’s something that students appreciate even more,” says Torhild.
The winner, who usually teaches subjects like management, organisational psychology, and personality psychology, was nominated and selected by students from the student organisation BISO. In their reasoning, they emphasise her unique ability to capture students' attention in the classroom.
“We are very happy to give this award to Torhild. Her passion for teaching goes far beyond the traditional lecturer role. She promotes an inclusive and supportive learning environment by encouraging open discussions, actively involving students, and she is always receptive to feedback and input,” says Carl William Nordby and Steven Quang Tran from BISO.
Trial and error
According to the students, Torhild's lectures are perceived as relevant, interesting, and personal. The winner herself explains that she prioritises creating and maintaining a trusting relationship with her students.
“I find that when students understand that I genuinely wish the best for them, they also understand why I set high expectations. I want them to be as well-prepared as possible for the professional world that awaits after their studies.”
Explain the why and the how will follow, Torhild explains.
“Lectures should be a place where students can try and fail without being afraid of being judged. None of them will ever say anything dumber than what I sometimes say myself. There's comfort in that as well.”
The winning recipe from Trøndelag
The lecturer from Trondheim is also the first woman in BI’s history to receive the award, something she herself jokingly attributes to her campus director Asgeir Opland.
“This is likely the result of an internal strategy at Campus Trondheim. Every time a man retires, Asgeir hires a young, well-educated woman. A recipe for success, in other words!”
At the same time, she emphasises that the quality of teaching is independent of gender.
“I have many extremely talented colleagues, both with and without moustaches, and students often note that they appreciate the level of teaching at BI.”
The best thing about the job
Bendik Meling Samuelsen, BI’s Provost for Education, congratulations Torhild on a well-deserved award.
“BI aims to provide students with outstanding learning experiences. A prerequisite for succeeding in this is having skilled and engaged lecturers who can create magical learning moments inside the classroom. With Torhild, it shines through that she genuinely wants the best for her students. That makes for great teaching,” says Samuelsen.
And what does the award winner herself say motivates her to come to work every morning?
“The best thing is the joy of giving lectures and seeing that the message resonates. One of the most rewarding moments is when you look out at the audience and are met by a couple of hundred eyes fixed on you and not down at a screen. Then you know that you have at least done something right. When this also reflects in the discussions with students and their exam performance, the job feels very meaningful.”
There is no need to fear that Torhild will let the recognition go to her head, at least not just yet.
“I already had a teaching award from the Department of Psychology at NTNU, but I won’t get overly confident until I receive award number three. Maybe NHH needs an extra lecturer with a bit of flair?”
Facts about BI’s Best Teacher Award
- The award recognises excellent teaching with the ability to motivate and enable students to achieve top academic results.
- Winners are nominated and selected by the student organisation BISO.
- Handed out annually.
- The award includes a cash prize of NOK 25.000.
- Past winners include Mark Brown, Lars Christian Bruno, Christian Andvik, Mads Nordmo Arnestad and Eivind Eriksen.